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Error 53: The iPhone 6 Anti-Hack That Bricks Your Phone

The Dreaded 'Error 53': The Anti-Hack That Bricks Your iPhone 6
Businessman using brick mobile phone in office
RubberballCLOSED via Getty Images
Businessman using brick mobile phone in office

The latest iPhone 6 software update is triggering a disturbing error that effectively 'bricks' your phone with no prospect of recovering data.

After downloading a new operating system or software update, thousands of users that had previously had their phone fixed by an unaccredited technician got a screen saying 'Error 53' and seemingly there's nothing Apple or anyone else could do to unlock it.

Or as one Apple forums user said "53 = death"

The cost of repairing an iPhone 6 screen is $218.95 by Apple, but can be done as cheaply as $80 by an unaccredited technician, and some have complained this error message would put the phone repair 'black market' out of business.

Apple, however, shared a statement with The Huffington Post Australia describing the error as a way of protecting phones against fraudulent parts.

"We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks designed to protect our customers.

"iOS checks that the Touch ID sensor in your iPhone or iPad correctly matches your device’s other components.

"If iOS finds a mismatch, the check fails and Touch ID, including for Apple Pay use, is disabled. This security measure is necessary to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used.

"If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact Apple Support.

So what do you do if you get Error 53? Apple advice was not to throw your phone out jut yet. They've got some steps to try here.

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